A controversial blog post about overweight people on television is being called "the Juan Williams scandal of fashion magazines." In the piece, "Should 'fatties' get a room? (even on TV?)" — focused on CBS sitcom, Mike & Molly, about an overweight couple who met at Overeaters Anonymous — Marie Claire blogger Maura Kelly admits she'd be "grossed out" to watch the characters kiss with their "rolls and rolls of fat." The post has drawn more than 1,800 comments and incited online outrage, with commentators calling it "despicable" and "hateful." Kelly has since issued an apology and referenced her own struggle with anorexia, while Marie Claire editor Joanna Coles has said she's "excited and moved" by the blogosphere's response. Has this whole thing been overblown? (Watch a CNN discussion about obesity on TV)
No, this is a very big deal: This is more than an isolated, "bigoted post," says Josh Shahryar at The Huffington Post. "A reputable international magazine for women just came forward and told millions of women that its staff thinks they're gross." By publishing Kelly's piece and standing by it, Marie Claire "gave a bigot the platform to ... hurt millions of people."
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